Purpose - To illustrate how there are common ways of managing both digital libraries and VLEs (virtual learning environments), based on the concept-in-common of a devolved or centralised approach to their implementation and a devolved or centralised long-term management structure for their service development. Design/methodology/approach - A simple overview of the principles involved, combined with comments on how the UK CLA (Copyright Licensing Agency) Higher Education scanning licence could be implemented in terms of these principles. Findings - That the intrinsic natures of VLE and digital library IT platforms do lend themselves more easily to certain styles of management and implementation, but that the temptation to do what is administratively easiest, or most convenient in IT support terms, should not dictate the pedagogy informing the use of these platforms. Research limitations/implications - The relevance of these findings will be shown by the shape of future co-ordinated developments in combined VLE and digital library initiatives and by the impact of applied learning theories on those activities. Practical implications - Suggests that the library profession must be fully informed about the impact of learning theory on practical digital library implementations and must explore a new professional role which includes the functions of educator and educationalist. Originality/value - The paper gives some solid foundations on which to base an understanding of the impact of new digitisation licence arrangements on UK HE library practice.
